Jets vs Bengals: Keep Your Eyes On Them
As we head into the second preseason game, here are a few players to keep your eye on.
S Calvin Pryor is set to make his debut Saturday at Cincinnati after sitting out the preseason opener against Indianapolis as he was making his way back from a concussion he suffered on the third day of training camp. Pryor, nicknamed the "Louisville Slugger" for his hard-hitting abilities is sure to make an impact in the defensive backfield.
DT Sheldon Richardson remembers the last time the Jets played the Cincinnati Bengals: a 49-9 loss last Oct. 27 in which the defense allowed four touchdown drives of 68 yards or more. He said he's looking forward to the matchup: "We owe them one. We owe them one big time. That was probably pretty much the only team that dog walked this defense like that, honestly, to me personally."
After a hot start to camp, WR Stephen Hill has struggled of late. He was held to no catches in a 13-10 win over Indianapolis in the preseason opener and has dropped some passes of late in practice. He'll bear watching, as he is sure to be more active in Saturday's game.
Unlike Hill, TE Jace Amaro struggled at the start of camp. Coming out of Texas Tech's spread offense, Amaro thrived as a receiving option, catching 106 passes for 1,352 yards, an NCAA record for a tight end. The rookie has gone through growing pains as he's tried to grasp the Jets' offensive schemes and has started to look more comfortable in practice. He was targeted five times in the preseason opener against Indianapolis, catching two passes for 18 yards. He'll look to continue his progression against Cincinnati
Running back Chris Ivory was limited in practice this week after bruising a rib against Indianapolis on Aug. 7. Head coach Rex Ryan said he expects Ivory to play on Saturday against Cincinnati, but did not say for how long.
The versatile Bilal Powell was slowed during the middle of training camp as he nursed a hamstring injury that kept him out of the preseason opener. The running back has returned to the field and looks to make an impact in his 2014 debut.
WR Eric Decker got off to a fast start with the Jets, demonstrating great route-running ability and sure hands. Nagging injuries have forced him to miss a few days of practice, but according to head coach Rex Ryan, he should be fine. It should be interesting to see how much Decker plays against Cincinnati, if at all.
After CBs Dexter McDougle (torn ACL) and Dee Milliner (ankle) suffered injuries on Sunday, the Jets were hurting at the cornerback position. In a move that surprised many, DB Antonio Allen, who usually plays safety, lined up on the outside. He said he'd never thought of playing the position in the NFL, but is willing to do whatever he can to help the team. On his first day of practice at cornerback, he recorded two interceptions. Rex Ryan said that he expects Allen to start at the position against Cincinnati.
Fourth year LB Nick Bellore has made a name for himself on special teams since signing with the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He said he's never played on special teams before his time with the Jets, but loves running down kickoffs. He added that he loves preseason games, because he gets more opportunities to play linebacker: "It is nice playing defense, especially in the preseason. I get a lot of reps, so I kind of familiarize myself with it, but I know what I'm here to do."
QB Tajh Boyd, the Jets' Sixth-round draft pick, didn't play in the preseason opener against the Colts, but is expected to make his NFL debut against Cincinnati, according to head coach Rex Ryan. "The Mayor" has gone through growing pains as he adjusts to the NFL game, but has shown growth as of late, leading the third team offense for a touchdown drive in team drills in the wind and rain on Tuesday.
